In the third edition of this series, we take a closer look at group C from the Ro16 at IEM Shanghai.

In the third edition of this series, we take a closer look at group C from the Ro16 at IEM Shanghai, addressing stats, predictions and potential upsets! Be sure to also take a look at groups A and B if you haven't yet.

Now, let's look at group C which features an old favourite of the Intel® Extreme Masters.

Group C

soO

TIME

herO

Solar

Group C has three well experienced Korean players and one Chinese underdog looking to throw the group expectations out the window. Can TIME find his groove and do something unheard of, or will the predictions play out as shown?

Match 1: soO vs. TIME

Match 2: herO vs. Solar

The opening match is soO vs TIME. The Korean is coming off the back of another second place finish in Code S - so we're guessing he'll want to tackle GuMiho later on in this tournament - but for now getting through his first match probably won't trip him up. TIME shouldn't be a realistic threat to soO, though this opportunity on his largest tournament stage may fuel the Terran player's fight.

TIME: Expected Finish 4th

To advance: 8.52%

1st place: 3.00%

2nd place: 5.52%

3rd place: 25.05%

4th place: 66.43%

The second match, herO vs Solar, should be quite the spectacle: two former StarCraft champions with 4 years of an incredibly close, back-and-forth match history. Both players have had success in 2017 already and this will be one of the best opening matches of the tournament. If we take a look at their match history, we can see how closely matched these two are.

herO vs Solar: map score: 21-17 (55.26%)

When taking a step back and looking at this group, we are certain to be losing a player of tournament winning caliber in the very early stage, but which one will it be?

Later today, July 26, we will go into both Groups C and D as we are only one day away from IEM Shanghai starting. 16 top players will compete for the chance to be crowned the 34th IEM StarCraft champion. You can find all tournament details, including the $25,000 prize pool breakdown, WCS point distribution and more here. With such a stacked lineup, this tournament is not to miss!

Intel® Extreme Masters is the longest running global pro gaming tour in the world. Started in 2006 by
ESL, the competition features Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, StarCraft II and League of Legends tournaments
across multiple continents.